Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Hacking Optical Mice as position/distance encoders

hi y'all,
With all the interest in inexpensive encoders I
think this may be a project for the engraver/small
machine people.

1. machine in reverse something like the encoder
disks of HP, the metal ones. (Cu electrode).


2. grab some spring steel shim stock....

3. set up a small ECM (electrochemical machining )
setup. Low voltage, lots of current (dc) and a
almost saturated salt (NaCl) solution. Flushing is
necessary. BTW - in ecm the electrode is non
sacrificial.

4. if one duplicates the mechanical size of the HP
then their sensors would work. Seems to me the
sensor is cheaper than the disk. IRCC.

The requirement for encoders is unlikely to go
away. A hobbyist doing this as a sideline should
be able to price about like US Digital
silk-screened on mylar ones.

Just a thought.

Dave